Voice for Teachers
Project without shouting and protect your voice through the day.
Teachers use their voice for hours every day, often over background noise. Learn the language of voice use in the classroom and practical phrases for getting attention without straining your voice.
Key Words
Ten essential words with their German meaning and an example sentence.
| English | German | Example |
|---|---|---|
| to project | die Stimme tragen lassen | Project your voice to the back of the room. |
| to shout | schreien | Shouting strains your voice and rarely helps. |
| background noise | Hintergrundlärm | Background noise makes you speak louder without noticing. |
| acoustics | Akustik | The acoustics in the sports hall are terrible. |
| vocal strain | Stimmbelastung | Vocal strain is common among teachers. |
| attention signal | Aufmerksamkeitszeichen | Use a hand signal as an attention signal. |
| to pause | eine Pause machen | Pause and wait for silence. |
| microphone | Mikrofon | In large rooms, use a microphone. |
| to address the class | sich an die Klasse wenden | Address the class from the front, not over the noise. |
| voice break | Sprechpause | Plan short voice breaks between lessons. |
Word Partners
Natural English depends on words that belong together. Learn these as complete phrases.
- to raise your voice
- to get the class's attention
- a quiet signal
- to wait for silence
- to speak over the noise
- a tired voice
- to vary your voice
- to save your voice
"Instead of speaking over the noise, wait for silence and then continue."
Useful Phrases
Sentence patterns you can use straight away.
Getting attention quietly
- Eyes on me, please.
- When you're ready…
- I'll wait.
- Let's have one voice at a time.
Saving your voice
- Move closer instead of speaking louder.
- Use gestures and signals.
- Drink water during the lesson.
- Let the students do more of the talking.
Talk About It
Answer these questions aloud, write a short paragraph, or discuss them with a partner.
- How do you get a group's attention without shouting?
- Which rooms are hardest for your voice?
- Do your students talk more than you do in lessons?
- What would you change to protect your voice at work?
Test Yourself
Click a question to see the answer.
1. What is "Hintergrundlärm" in English?
Background noise.
2. What does "to project your voice" mean?
To make it carry clearly to the back of the room, without shouting.
3. Complete: "Let's have one ___ at a time."
Voice.
Explore More
More pages in the Voice & Singing series.
Teach with your voice, not against it.
Learn the words, use them in real sentences and enjoy using your voice in English.
Project. Pause. Protect.